Kenya Airways has announced that flight KQ203 will change its call sign to RAO001 upon entering Kenyan airspace at approximately 8:50 a.m., in honor and respect of the late Raila Amolo Odinga.

The flight is expected to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30 a.m.

“KQ203 will change to RAO001 as soon as we reach the Kenya Airspace at around 8:50 am to honor and respect our departed leader. ETA at JKIA is 09:30 am,” Kenya Airways said.

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According to Kenya Airways, the aircraft, which is expected to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9:30 a.m., will be carrying dignitaries, family members, and close associates of the former Prime Minister.

The national carrier said the decision was made “as a mark of deep respect and tribute to a leader who dedicated his life to Kenya’s democracy, justice, and unity.”

The airline said in a statement that the call sign RAO001 is named after the initials of Raila Amolo Odinga and that it represents the inaugural and the only flight that is made in his honour.

“It is a solemn yet proud moment for the Kenya Airways family as we join the nation in mourning and celebrating the legacy of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga”, the statement stated.

Special preparations have been made to land the flight at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) where increased security and ceremonial procedures have been taken to receive it.

The arrival will be preceded by a brief handover ceremony then the official state funeral procession will commence in Nairobi.

Kenyans across the country are expected to pause in reflection as the flight enters the nation’s airspace, with major television and radio stations providing live coverage of the historic moment.

The symbolic gesture is seen as a unifying tribute to a man whose influence shaped Kenya’s political and social landscape for decades.

Raila Odinga, best referred to by many as “Baba” leaves behind a legacy of valour and reform, and never-surrendering devotion to democratic principles. The RAO001 call sign is his last respect to his lifetime commitment to justice, equality and unity of the Kenyan people